David Chadwick, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, has launched a tour of local schools to speak directly with students about their experiences of social media and its impact on mental health.

The initiative, part of a “Safer Screens” campaign, aims to gather insights from young people and teachers on how best to protect children online.

Mr Chadwick, who has already visited Ysgol Maesydderwen in Ystradgynlais on Thursday, July 3, and Cwmtawe Community School in Pontardawe and Crickhowell High School on Friday, July 4, will continue to host informal discussions and Q&A sessions with pupils and staff over the coming months.

He said that in recent years, concerns around social media have intensified, with children reporting pressures ranging from online bullying to unrealistic lifestyle portrayals and expectations around body image and relationships. He believes these concerns must inform the national dialogue on digital regulation and mental health support.

The Welsh Lib Dems say that recent evidence shows that social media has worsened bullying for young people to extremely worrying levels, with bullying behaviour now able to follow young people home to their bedrooms through screens, whereas it was previously largely confined to school itself.

Mr Chadwick has also engaged with national organisations including Mumsnet and ParentKind to discuss online safety. In May, he highlighted the ongoing risks posed by social media platforms after Labour MPs rejected plans proposed by the Liberal Democrats with the aim of protecting children aged 13 to 16 from data harvesting and harmful algorithms, while Conservative MPs abstained.

The Welsh Lib Dems have warned that tech companies can currently use the data of under-16s to drive hyper-targeted advertising and content pushed by addictive algorithms, driving children’s engagement with digital content.

At the time, the Mr Chadwick highlighted that as a father of two young boys, he is extremely concerned about the way in which tech platforms engineer addiction, manipulate attention, and shape childhood in ways that parents and even Governments cannot easily counter.

In his speech, he highlighted how targeted algorithms are shaping beliefs, reinforcing insecurities and amplifying harm. Whether it is body image filters, content promoting self-harm or endless scrolling, these platforms are designed for engagement, not wellbeing.

Commenting on the school visits, Mr Chadwick said: said: “Whether they’re in primary school or sixth form, today’s children are growing up in a world defined by social media. I want to listen to their honest experiences, what worries them, what inspires them, and what changes they believe could make online platforms safer. Hearing directly from them is the best way to shape effective policy.

“By meeting with pupils and teachers of all ages, I hope to bring their perspectives into Parliament, ensuring that future legislation isn’t made in a vacuum but shaped by real-life stories.”

If any school, parent or student is particularly interested in discussing the issue of children’s safety online and safer phones, Mr Chadwick has encouraged them to contact him at: [email protected]